Artificial intelligence can prevent fires - New method identifies potential hot spots, analyzes risk factors
A European climate research institute is using artificial intelligence (AI) to more accurately predict the probability of wildfires across the globe.
The European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts has created a new model that uses machine learning methods to analyze a wider set of data for more accurate predictions of where fires may break out.
Historically, fire forecasts have used a method called the Fire Weather Index, which uses four weather variables—temperature, wind, precipitation, and humidity. But there are limitations to this model.
"This doesn't account for a lot of detail," Climate Scientist Dr. Joe McNorton told Reuters. "It doesn't take into account flammable materials or ignition sources."
By including vegetation levels that can help spread flames and fire ignition sources in the analysis along with weather condition forecasts, the center can go further than just predicting fire risk.
"Machine learning really helps to get more accuracy in the location where a fire might occur," McNorton said.
As an example, scientist Francesca Di Giuseppe cited the devastating January fires in Los Angeles, which killed 28 people and damaged or destroyed nearly 16,000 structures.
Unusually wet weather conditions in the period before the fires caused abundant vegetation growth, which then served as fuel when the unusually dry winter weather began.
The Fire Probability Method identified the regions that could be most severely affected by the fires. “Our prediction in this case was much more accurate and pinpointed the exact location, very close to Los Angeles, where the fire actually occurred,” Giuseppe said.
Last year, record levels of greenhouse gases helped push temperatures to all-time highs and extreme weather caused widespread problems across the globe. Wildfires forced the displacement of 800,000 people, the highest number since records began in 2008.
McNorton said the AI-powered method could be used by fire prevention agencies to more accurately identify fire risk locations, allowing them to allocate resources appropriately. “It’s a big step forward in terms of fire prediction,” he said.
"Scanning has significantly reduced smuggling" - Rama: The Port of Durres will have the highest level of technology
Prime Minister Edi Rama participated in an activity held at the Port of Durres, where he met with representatives of transport businesses, to listen to their......
Europe records warmest March on record - Climate change raised temperatures, caused floods and droughts
Europe experienced its warmest March on record as climate change continues to push temperatures to unprecedented levels, European Union scientists......
"EU integration only through reforms" - Kallas: We need cooperation with all parties, Rama: Let's close negotiations in 2027
“Albania has its place in the European Union, but there is no shortcut other than implementing reforms.” From Tirana, the EU's chief diplomat, Kaja Kallas,......
Balluku: We will soon present the National Railway project
Deputy Prime Minister, Belinda Balluku, also Minister of Infrastructure and Energy, stated today that the agreement signed with the EIB for the financing of......
"Albania, closer to the EU" - Security Dialogue, Hasani: Reflects the country's progress
The first session of the Security and Defence Dialogue in Albania was held. The EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy,......
EU offers India 'zero' tariffs on cars - But New Delhi wants gradual reductions to protect domestic manufacturers
The European Union wants India to eliminate tariffs on car imports under a long-delayed trade deal, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government is also......
Dairy "bears the burden of prices"/ Inflation rises to 2.1% in March. Entertainment continues to cost more
Inflation in the country for the month of March has reached a value of 2.1%, from 1.9% recorded in the second month of the current year. Meanwhile, the......
"EU must buy $350 billion in US energy" - Trump sets conditions to ease tariffs on bloc
The European Union will have to buy $350 billion in US energy to ease sweeping tariffs, US President Donald Trump said, rejecting Brussels' offer of......
